US20140070516A1 - Suspension system - Google Patents
Suspension system Download PDFInfo
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- US20140070516A1 US20140070516A1 US13/613,571 US201213613571A US2014070516A1 US 20140070516 A1 US20140070516 A1 US 20140070516A1 US 201213613571 A US201213613571 A US 201213613571A US 2014070516 A1 US2014070516 A1 US 2014070516A1
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- frame
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
- B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
- B62K25/12—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg
- B62K25/14—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg with single arm on each fork leg
- B62K25/16—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg with single arm on each fork leg for front wheel
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
- B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
- B62K25/06—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms
- B62K25/08—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
- B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
- B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
- B62K25/12—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg
- B62K25/22—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg with more than one arm on each fork leg
- B62K25/24—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with rocking arm pivoted on each fork leg with more than one arm on each fork leg for front wheel
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
- B60G2300/12—Cycles; Motorcycles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
- B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
- B60G2300/12—Cycles; Motorcycles
- B60G2300/122—Trikes
Definitions
- the field of the invention relates generally to suspension systems, more particularly to vehicle suspension systems, and still more particularly to systems with particular locations for shock absorbers within a suspension system
- Vehicle suspension systems are designed to enable the vehicle to ride smoothly and to allow the driver to keep the vehicle under control on bumpy, rough, and hazardous roads and trails.
- Suspension systems are used in such diverse vehicles as automobiles, motorcycles, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, trucks, etc.
- the suspension systems are attached to the vehicle frame and affect the ride of the vehicle by mitigating the effects of rough roads and trails on the frame.
- one challenge to suspension systems is to prevent the vehicle from bouncing too high when it travels over large bumps or emerges from a dip or depression in the road or trail.
- shock absorbers in the suspension system absorb upward movement from bumps thereby pushing the vehicle upward significantly before the passive pull of gravity brings the vehicle back down toward the road. This can create a safety issue especially with two wheel vehicles such as motorcycles as the relatively light weight of motorcycles allows a greater upward movement to the point of creating a situation in which the motorcycle is airborne.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,674 to Buell, et al. discloses a suspension system for a bicycle or motorcycle that includes a single shock absorber attached to the vehicle frame. Although it acts on the rear wheel, it has no effect on the front wheel of the vehicle and no stability for the steering column of the machine. Additionally, Buell, et al., teach the use of multiple pivot axes.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,379 to Nagao, et al. discloses a front suspension system in which the single shock absorber is pivotally attached to the motorcycle frame. This configuration will cause the vehicle to move upward significantly before gravity pulls the frame downwardly.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,168 to Courtney relates a wheel suspension system that includes only a single shock absorber on each of the front and back wheels with no immediate direct downward pull by the shock absorber on the front of the frame.
- the field lacks a suspension system that provides a direct active downward movement on a vehicle frame and also provides more than one shock absorber for the wheels of two wheeled vehicles that still provide a direct downward movement on the frame of the two wheeled vehicles utilizing a single pivot axis.
- the present invention broadly comprises a shock absorbing suspension for a vehicle including a vehicle frame having a front end, a rear end, and opposing sides; at least one pair of shock absorbers each of the pair of shock absorbers having a piston and piston stem extending from the piston and through the shock absorber so that each of the pair of shock absorbers is functionally attached to the frame; at least one axle; at least two extension arms each of the extension arms pivotally attached to the frame and having a first and a second end so that the first end is attached to the piston stem of one of the shock absorbers, the second end is attached to one of the axles, and the pivotal attachment is between the first end and the second end; and, at least one pair of support arms, each support arm having a first end and a second end, such that the first end of the support arm is pivotally attached to the pivotal connection and attached to the extension arm and at least one axle is rotatably mounted on or proximate to the second support arm end.
- the present invention also comprises a motorcycle with a shock absorbing system for a vehicle, the shock absorbing system including a frame for the motorcycle having a front end, a rear end, and opposing sides; at least one pair of shock absorbers, each of the pair of shock absorbers attached to the frame having a piston and piston stem extending from the piston through the shock absorber; a pair of axles; and at least two pair of extension arms each of the extension arms pivotally attached to the pivotal connection and having a first and a second extension arm end, wherein the first end is attached to the piston stem of one of the shock absorbers, the second end is attached to one of the pair of axles, and the pivotal attachment of each of the extension arms is between the first end and the second end.
- One object of the present invention is to provide a suspension system in which the result of an upward force on a vehicle wheel or tire is to force the vehicle frame downward toward a road or trail.
- a second object of the present invention is to supply a suspension system that may be used in both the front end and rear end of a vehicle frame.
- a third object of the present invention is to disclose a suspension system in which the steering column of a motorcycle is pulled toward the road when the steering column is subject to upward force.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of the shock absorbing system of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the shock absorbing system depicting one of the pair of extension arms attached to the pivot connection between the upper and lower forks of the system;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the pivotal connection showing the attachment of the piston stem to the multilink as well as the attachment of the multilink to the extension arm and the support arm;
- FIG. 4 is a front enlarged view of the dual shock absorbers of the shock absorbing system
- FIG. 5 is a front view of the suspension system with a front motorcycle tire rotatably mounted on the front axle;
- FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the motorcycle depicting the support arm of the shock absorbing system
- FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view showing the multilink of the extension arm connecting the piston stem of the shock absorber to the pivotal connection and the support arm;
- FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the motorcycle showing the suspension system of the present invention utilized on both the front and rear wheels;
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the suspension system of the present invention as applied to a vehicle, e.g., an automobile, truck, or other three or four wheeled vehicle, in which the tires are on separate axles on opposite sides of the vehicle.
- a vehicle e.g., an automobile, truck, or other three or four wheeled vehicle, in which the tires are on separate axles on opposite sides of the vehicle.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of the shock absorbing system 10 (“system 10 ”) of the present invention.
- system 10 can be used on vehicles having any number of wheels, the description below primarily describes the use of system 10 with a motorcycle.
- a pair of upper forks 12 pivotally attached to extension arms 14 at rotatable pivot connection 16 .
- Pivot connections 16 may be connected by pivot rod 16 a .
- Extension arms 14 receive axle 15 proximate to axle end 14 a.
- shock absorbers 20 are gas shock absorbers of a type well known to those having skill in the art. More preferably, the gas may be either air or nitrogen.
- Upper gas line 21 and lower gas line 22 extend between the pair of shock absorbers 20 .
- upper gas gauge 21 a in gas line 21 and lower gas gauge 22 a in gas line 22 are also seen.
- Upper fork extensions 12 a act to connect system 10 to a motorcycle frame.
- Cross pieces 18 provide lateral support for upper forks 12 a and may also be used to connect the motorcycle frame to system 10 either directly or through a separate component as discussed below.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of system 10 showing one of a pair of support arms 34 (“arm 34 ”) rotatably attached to pivot connection 16 .
- Piston stem 24 extends from the piston (not shown) internal to shock absorber 20 and is movably attached to support arm assembly 30 at rotating attachment means 32 above pivot connection 16 .
- rotating attachment means 32 is multilink 32 having a plurality of connection points 32 a . Persons of skill in the art will recognized that other forms and configurations of rotating attachment means 32 may be used.
- Multilink 32 is attached to extension arm 14 proximate to pivotal connection 16 to form a pivotal connection.
- attachment point 36 on multilink 32 is integral with the body of multilink 32 .
- Support arm 34 has a first end attached to multilink 32 to form a pivotal attachment with pivot connection 16 and a second end attached to extension arm 14 .
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of pivotal connection 16 showing the attachment of piston stem 24 to multilink 32 as well as the attachment of multilink 32 to extension arm 14 .
- FIG. 4 is a front enlarged view of the dual shock absorbers 20 of system 10 . It can be clearly seen that upper gas line 21 is connected to shock absorbers 20 proximate their upper ends above the internal piston, while gas line 22 is connected to shock absorbers 20 proximate their lower ends below the internal piston. Piston stems 24 can be seen extending toward support arm assembly 30 as described above. It will be recognized that the respective upper and lower ends are filled with gas.
- FIG. 5 is a front view with a front tire attached to a motorcycle 100 .
- Tire 102 is seen in rotational attachment with axle 15 in a known manner.
- Steering column 104 (“column 104 ”) is functionally attached the frame and to cross pieces 18 with handlebars 106 extending from steering column 104 . It will be recognized that column 104 may be attached to cross piece(s) 18 through, for example, welding, soldering, or by passing through guide holes defined by cross pieces 18 .
- “Functional attachment” is intended to mean that the attachment between steering column 104 and cross piece(s) 18 enables the function of steering control by handlebars 106 , which are attached to column 104 , over suspension system 10 and the frame enabling a user to turn suspension system 10 and thus steer the frame.
- the functional attachment may be direct or indirect through another component such as crosspieces 18 .
- upper forks 12 / 12 a may act as part of the frame of motorcycle 100 through their attachment to steering column 104 through crosspieces 18 .
- crosspieces 18 may not be used to connect upper forks 12 / 12 a to steering column or other connecting components may be used.
- FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of motorcycle 100 depicting support arm assembly 30 . It can be seen that attachment of system 10 to column 104 allows system 10 to be rotated left or right with pivot connection 16 kept in place between axle 15 and shock absorbers 20 even with the rotation of system 10 .
- FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view showing multilink 32 connected to pivotal connection 16 and extension arm 14 at attachment point 36 . Persons of skill in the art will recognize that system 10 may be adapted for use on the rear axle of motorcycle 100 by placing shock absorbers between the frame and the pivot connection as described below.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of motorcycle 100 showing the suspension system of the present invention utilized on both the front and rear wheels.
- Motor 240 is positioned toward front tire 102 under fuel tank 230 .
- Transmission 300 is behind motor 200 under seat 232 .
- Frame 210 supports seat 232 , motor 200 , transmission 300 , and fuel tank 230 in a manner known to those having skill in the art.
- frame 210 is supported by front suspension system 10 and rear suspension system 200 .
- Rear shock absorber 220 preferably a gas shock absorber similar to shock absorber 20 and using nitrogen, compressed air or other suitable gas, is attached to frame 210 at a first end and to one end of rear extension arm 212 through piston stem 224 at a second end of shock absorber 220 .
- Extension arm 212 is pivotally attached to frame 210 at pivot connection 216 .
- the opposing end of extension arm 212 is attached to rear axle 215 which supports rear tire 202 .
- Fenders 110 protect tires 102 and 202 ,
- rear suspension 200 operates similarly to front suspension 10 .
- both suspensions if tires 102 and/or 202 travel over a bump, that tire is forced upward as signified by the arrows.
- the attachment points between front extension arm 14 and front axle 15 and rear extension arm 212 and rear axle 215 are forced up along with tires 102 and 202 , respectively.
- piston stems 24 and 224 are pulled down causing respective shock absorbers 20 and 220 to pull frame 210 down.
- suspensions 10 and 200 provide motorcycle 100 with a more stable ride as they both actively pull frame 210 down rather than relying on the passive action of gravity to overcome the upward momentum of the force on frame 210 caused by the bump(s).
- the same structure of rear suspension 200 supports motorcycle 100 on both sides of tire 202 .
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view of suspension system 10 as applied to a vehicle powered by engine or motor 200 in which tires 202 are on separate axles 215 on opposite sides of vehicle 200 .
- vehicle depicted in FIG. 9 may be a two wheeled vehicle or four or more wheeled vehicle such as a car, truck, tractor trailer, etc.
- system 200 may be used on either or both of the front and rear suspensions of the vehicle.
- Engine or motor 240 is supported by motor mounts 202 on vehicle frame 210 .
- Piston-type shock absorbers 220 are attached to frame 210 with piston stem 224 attached to extension arm 212 .
- Extension arm 212 is attached to frame 210 at pivot connection 216 in such a way as to allow the two ends of extension arm 212 to extend to either side of pivot connection 216 .
- Extension arm 212 and support arm 214 are pivotally connected at pivot connection 216 which acts as a pivot point.
- pivot connection 216 is located between the attachment of shock absorber 220 to frame 210 and axle 215 .
- Extension arm 212 is preferably one integral unit pivotally connected at pivot connection 216 .
- Shock absorbers 220 are attached to frame 210 between motor 200 , which is centrally located on the vehicle, and pivot connection 216 .
- bump force is applied upwardly to tire 202 and axle 215 in the direction of the arrow.
- This upward bump force causes the outside end (closest to axle) of extension arm 212 and support 214 to rotate up with attached axle 215 .
- the upward motion outside pivot connection 216 causes a downward pulling of the opposite inside end of extension arm 212 inside the pivot connection resulting in pulling piston stem 224 down.
- the downward pull on stem 224 and the consequent downward pull on shock absorber 220 results in an active downward force applied to frame 210 and the vehicle.
- Extension arms 14 rotate up at pivot connection 16 .
- support arms 34 attached to extension arms 14 , rotate up thereby pulling piston stems 24 and the internal piston down toward the ground or road.
- This downward force is actively transferred to the vehicle frame by shock absorbers 20 which are attached to the frame through upper arms 12 and steering column 104 .
- shock absorbers 20 and 220 are gas shock absorbers using either air, nitrogen, or other suitable gas.
- air is meant atmospheric air as is found in the earth's atmosphere with an approximate of composition of 78% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, and approximately 2% trace elements.
- gas lines 21 and 22 extend between paired shock absorbers 20 . The outlets for each gas line extend below the upper and lower range of movement of the shock absorber piston creating compression of the gas as the pistons move.
- shock absorbers 20 When the piston is pulled down by the upward movement of the support arms 14 and axle 15 , the gas pressure in the lower end of the piston and gas line 22 increases causing a rebound effect that urges support arms 14 down to reinforce the pulling force applied to the frame by the initial pull on shock absorbers 20 .
- the use of a pair of shock absorbers 20 provides greater initial downward force than with a single shock absorber while gas lines 21 and 22 provide the further advantage of equalizing the gas pressure and thus the force on both sides of motorcycle 100 . However, if gas lines 21 and 22 are removed, gas shock absorbers 20 and 220 will act in a similar manner.
- the gas shock absorbers are attached directly or indirectly to the vehicle frame, with the piston stem attached to an extension arm at such a point that the pivot connection is between the piston stem connection and the axle.
- FIG. 2 in front suspension system 10 in which piston stem 24 is attached to multilink 30 so that pivot connection 16 is between the piston stem connection 24 attachment to multilink 32 and axle 15 .
- FIGS. 8 and 9 depicting rear suspension 200 supporting rear tire 202 of a motorcycle and a four wheel vehicle, respectively.
- FIGS. 4 and 8 also shows the indirect attachment of shock absorbers 20 to frame 210 through upper supports 12 which are attached to frame 210 through steering column 104 . This indirect attachment provides the active downward pull from shock absorbers 20 to the frame.
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Abstract
Description
- The field of the invention relates generally to suspension systems, more particularly to vehicle suspension systems, and still more particularly to systems with particular locations for shock absorbers within a suspension system
- Vehicle suspension systems are designed to enable the vehicle to ride smoothly and to allow the driver to keep the vehicle under control on bumpy, rough, and hazardous roads and trails. Suspension systems are used in such diverse vehicles as automobiles, motorcycles, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, trucks, etc.
- The suspension systems are attached to the vehicle frame and affect the ride of the vehicle by mitigating the effects of rough roads and trails on the frame. No matter what type of vehicle is used, one challenge to suspension systems is to prevent the vehicle from bouncing too high when it travels over large bumps or emerges from a dip or depression in the road or trail. One problem with current suspension systems is that shock absorbers in the suspension system absorb upward movement from bumps thereby pushing the vehicle upward significantly before the passive pull of gravity brings the vehicle back down toward the road. This can create a safety issue especially with two wheel vehicles such as motorcycles as the relatively light weight of motorcycles allows a greater upward movement to the point of creating a situation in which the motorcycle is airborne.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,674 to Buell, et al. discloses a suspension system for a bicycle or motorcycle that includes a single shock absorber attached to the vehicle frame. Although it acts on the rear wheel, it has no effect on the front wheel of the vehicle and no stability for the steering column of the machine. Additionally, Buell, et al., teach the use of multiple pivot axes. U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,379 to Nagao, et al. discloses a front suspension system in which the single shock absorber is pivotally attached to the motorcycle frame. This configuration will cause the vehicle to move upward significantly before gravity pulls the frame downwardly. U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,168 to Courtney relates a wheel suspension system that includes only a single shock absorber on each of the front and back wheels with no immediate direct downward pull by the shock absorber on the front of the frame.
- Thus, it can be seen that the field lacks a suspension system that provides a direct active downward movement on a vehicle frame and also provides more than one shock absorber for the wheels of two wheeled vehicles that still provide a direct downward movement on the frame of the two wheeled vehicles utilizing a single pivot axis.
- The present invention broadly comprises a shock absorbing suspension for a vehicle including a vehicle frame having a front end, a rear end, and opposing sides; at least one pair of shock absorbers each of the pair of shock absorbers having a piston and piston stem extending from the piston and through the shock absorber so that each of the pair of shock absorbers is functionally attached to the frame; at least one axle; at least two extension arms each of the extension arms pivotally attached to the frame and having a first and a second end so that the first end is attached to the piston stem of one of the shock absorbers, the second end is attached to one of the axles, and the pivotal attachment is between the first end and the second end; and, at least one pair of support arms, each support arm having a first end and a second end, such that the first end of the support arm is pivotally attached to the pivotal connection and attached to the extension arm and at least one axle is rotatably mounted on or proximate to the second support arm end.
- The present invention also comprises a motorcycle with a shock absorbing system for a vehicle, the shock absorbing system including a frame for the motorcycle having a front end, a rear end, and opposing sides; at least one pair of shock absorbers, each of the pair of shock absorbers attached to the frame having a piston and piston stem extending from the piston through the shock absorber; a pair of axles; and at least two pair of extension arms each of the extension arms pivotally attached to the pivotal connection and having a first and a second extension arm end, wherein the first end is attached to the piston stem of one of the shock absorbers, the second end is attached to one of the pair of axles, and the pivotal attachment of each of the extension arms is between the first end and the second end.
- One object of the present invention is to provide a suspension system in which the result of an upward force on a vehicle wheel or tire is to force the vehicle frame downward toward a road or trail.
- A second object of the present invention is to supply a suspension system that may be used in both the front end and rear end of a vehicle frame.
- A third object of the present invention is to disclose a suspension system in which the steering column of a motorcycle is pulled toward the road when the steering column is subject to upward force.
- The nature and mode of the operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing Figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of the shock absorbing system of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the shock absorbing system depicting one of the pair of extension arms attached to the pivot connection between the upper and lower forks of the system; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the pivotal connection showing the attachment of the piston stem to the multilink as well as the attachment of the multilink to the extension arm and the support arm; -
FIG. 4 is a front enlarged view of the dual shock absorbers of the shock absorbing system; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the suspension system with a front motorcycle tire rotatably mounted on the front axle; -
FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the motorcycle depicting the support arm of the shock absorbing system; -
FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view showing the multilink of the extension arm connecting the piston stem of the shock absorber to the pivotal connection and the support arm; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the motorcycle showing the suspension system of the present invention utilized on both the front and rear wheels; and, -
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the suspension system of the present invention as applied to a vehicle, e.g., an automobile, truck, or other three or four wheeled vehicle, in which the tires are on separate axles on opposite sides of the vehicle. - At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. It also should be appreciated that figure proportions and angles are not always to scale in order to clearly portray the attributes of the present invention.
- While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
- Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
- Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly”, “very nearly”, “about”, “approximately”, “around”, “bordering on”, “close to”, “essentially”, “in the neighborhood of”, “in the vicinity of”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby”, “close”, “adjacent”, “neighboring”, “immediate”, “adjoining”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
- Adverting to the drawings,
FIG. 1 is a front view of the shock absorbing system 10 (“system 10”) of the present invention. Although it is intended thatsystem 10 can be used on vehicles having any number of wheels, the description below primarily describes the use ofsystem 10 with a motorcycle. Included are a pair ofupper forks 12 pivotally attached toextension arms 14 atrotatable pivot connection 16.Pivot connections 16 may be connected bypivot rod 16 a.Extension arms 14 receiveaxle 15 proximate toaxle end 14 a. - Also seen are a pair of
shock absorbers 20 with one of the pairs located under each of theupper forks 12. Preferably,shock absorbers 20 are gas shock absorbers of a type well known to those having skill in the art. More preferably, the gas may be either air or nitrogen.Upper gas line 21 andlower gas line 22 extend between the pair ofshock absorbers 20. Also seen areupper gas gauge 21 a ingas line 21 andlower gas gauge 22 a ingas line 22.Upper fork extensions 12 a act to connectsystem 10 to a motorcycle frame.Cross pieces 18 provide lateral support forupper forks 12 a and may also be used to connect the motorcycle frame tosystem 10 either directly or through a separate component as discussed below. -
FIG. 2 is a side view ofsystem 10 showing one of a pair of support arms 34 (“arm 34”) rotatably attached topivot connection 16. Pistonstem 24 extends from the piston (not shown) internal toshock absorber 20 and is movably attached to supportarm assembly 30 at rotating attachment means 32 abovepivot connection 16. In the embodiment shown, rotating attachment means 32 ismultilink 32 having a plurality ofconnection points 32 a. Persons of skill in the art will recognized that other forms and configurations of rotating attachment means 32 may be used. -
Multilink 32 is attached toextension arm 14 proximate topivotal connection 16 to form a pivotal connection. Preferably theattachment point 36 onmultilink 32 is integral with the body ofmultilink 32.Support arm 34 has a first end attached to multilink 32 to form a pivotal attachment withpivot connection 16 and a second end attached toextension arm 14.FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view ofpivotal connection 16 showing the attachment of piston stem 24 to multilink 32 as well as the attachment ofmultilink 32 toextension arm 14. -
FIG. 4 is a front enlarged view of thedual shock absorbers 20 ofsystem 10. It can be clearly seen thatupper gas line 21 is connected toshock absorbers 20 proximate their upper ends above the internal piston, whilegas line 22 is connected toshock absorbers 20 proximate their lower ends below the internal piston. Piston stems 24 can be seen extending towardsupport arm assembly 30 as described above. It will be recognized that the respective upper and lower ends are filled with gas. -
FIG. 5 is a front view with a front tire attached to amotorcycle 100.Tire 102 is seen in rotational attachment withaxle 15 in a known manner. Steering column 104 (“column 104”) is functionally attached the frame and to crosspieces 18 withhandlebars 106 extending fromsteering column 104. It will be recognized thatcolumn 104 may be attached to cross piece(s) 18 through, for example, welding, soldering, or by passing through guide holes defined bycross pieces 18. “Functional attachment” is intended to mean that the attachment betweensteering column 104 and cross piece(s) 18 enables the function of steering control byhandlebars 106, which are attached tocolumn 104, oversuspension system 10 and the frame enabling a user to turnsuspension system 10 and thus steer the frame. The functional attachment may be direct or indirect through another component such ascrosspieces 18. In this regard,upper forks 12/12 a may act as part of the frame ofmotorcycle 100 through their attachment tosteering column 104 throughcrosspieces 18. In alternate embodiments,crosspieces 18 may not be used to connectupper forks 12/12 a to steering column or other connecting components may be used. -
FIG. 6 is a side perspective view ofmotorcycle 100 depictingsupport arm assembly 30. It can be seen that attachment ofsystem 10 tocolumn 104 allowssystem 10 to be rotated left or right withpivot connection 16 kept in place betweenaxle 15 andshock absorbers 20 even with the rotation ofsystem 10.FIG. 7 is a rear perspectiveview showing multilink 32 connected topivotal connection 16 andextension arm 14 atattachment point 36. Persons of skill in the art will recognize thatsystem 10 may be adapted for use on the rear axle ofmotorcycle 100 by placing shock absorbers between the frame and the pivot connection as described below. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view ofmotorcycle 100 showing the suspension system of the present invention utilized on both the front and rear wheels.Motor 240 is positioned towardfront tire 102 underfuel tank 230.Transmission 300 is behind motor 200 underseat 232.Frame 210 supportsseat 232, motor 200,transmission 300, andfuel tank 230 in a manner known to those having skill in the art. In addition,frame 210 is supported byfront suspension system 10 and rear suspension system 200.Rear shock absorber 220, preferably a gas shock absorber similar toshock absorber 20 and using nitrogen, compressed air or other suitable gas, is attached to frame 210 at a first end and to one end ofrear extension arm 212 throughpiston stem 224 at a second end ofshock absorber 220.Extension arm 212 is pivotally attached to frame 210 atpivot connection 216. The opposing end ofextension arm 212 is attached torear axle 215 which supportsrear tire 202.Fenders 110protect tires - It can be seen that rear suspension 200 operates similarly to
front suspension 10. In both suspensions, iftires 102 and/or 202 travel over a bump, that tire is forced upward as signified by the arrows. It is evident that the attachment points betweenfront extension arm 14 andfront axle 15 andrear extension arm 212 andrear axle 215 are forced up along withtires respective shock absorbers frame 210 down. Thus,suspensions 10 and 200 providemotorcycle 100 with a more stable ride as they both actively pullframe 210 down rather than relying on the passive action of gravity to overcome the upward momentum of the force onframe 210 caused by the bump(s). It will be recognized that, likefront suspension 10, the same structure of rear suspension 200 supportsmotorcycle 100 on both sides oftire 202. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic view ofsuspension system 10 as applied to a vehicle powered by engine or motor 200 in whichtires 202 are onseparate axles 215 on opposite sides of vehicle 200. It should be appreciated that the vehicle depicted inFIG. 9 may be a two wheeled vehicle or four or more wheeled vehicle such as a car, truck, tractor trailer, etc. Persons of skill in the art will recognize that system 200 may be used on either or both of the front and rear suspensions of the vehicle. Engine ormotor 240 is supported by motor mounts 202 onvehicle frame 210. Piston-type shock absorbers 220 are attached to frame 210 with piston stem 224 attached toextension arm 212.Extension arm 212 is attached to frame 210 atpivot connection 216 in such a way as to allow the two ends ofextension arm 212 to extend to either side ofpivot connection 216.Extension arm 212 andsupport arm 214 are pivotally connected atpivot connection 216 which acts as a pivot point. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 9 ,pivot connection 216 is located between the attachment ofshock absorber 220 to frame 210 andaxle 215.Extension arm 212 is preferably one integral unit pivotally connected atpivot connection 216. -
Shock absorbers 220 are attached to frame 210 between motor 200, which is centrally located on the vehicle, andpivot connection 216. Whentire 202 rolls over a bump, bump force is applied upwardly to tire 202 andaxle 215 in the direction of the arrow. This upward bump force causes the outside end (closest to axle) ofextension arm 212 andsupport 214 to rotate up with attachedaxle 215. The upward motion outsidepivot connection 216 causes a downward pulling of the opposite inside end ofextension arm 212 inside the pivot connection resulting in pullingpiston stem 224 down. The downward pull onstem 224 and the consequent downward pull onshock absorber 220 results in an active downward force applied to frame 210 and the vehicle. - Similarly, in
motorcycle 100, upward force ontire 102 will forceaxle 15 upwards as well.Extension arms 14 rotate up atpivot connection 16. Simultaneously, supportarms 34, attached toextension arms 14, rotate up thereby pulling piston stems 24 and the internal piston down toward the ground or road. This downward force is actively transferred to the vehicle frame byshock absorbers 20 which are attached to the frame throughupper arms 12 andsteering column 104. - In a preferred embodiment,
shock absorbers FIGS. 1 , 4, and 5gas lines shock absorbers 20. The outlets for each gas line extend below the upper and lower range of movement of the shock absorber piston creating compression of the gas as the pistons move. When the piston is pulled down by the upward movement of thesupport arms 14 andaxle 15, the gas pressure in the lower end of the piston andgas line 22 increases causing a rebound effect that urgessupport arms 14 down to reinforce the pulling force applied to the frame by the initial pull onshock absorbers 20. The use of a pair ofshock absorbers 20 provides greater initial downward force than with a single shock absorber whilegas lines motorcycle 100. However, ifgas lines gas shock absorbers - In each of the suspension systems described above, the gas shock absorbers are attached directly or indirectly to the vehicle frame, with the piston stem attached to an extension arm at such a point that the pivot connection is between the piston stem connection and the axle. This is seen in
FIG. 2 infront suspension system 10 in which piston stem 24 is attached to multilink 30 so thatpivot connection 16 is between thepiston stem connection 24 attachment to multilink 32 andaxle 15. This is also seen inFIGS. 8 and 9 depicting rear suspension 200 supportingrear tire 202 of a motorcycle and a four wheel vehicle, respectively.FIGS. 4 and 8 also shows the indirect attachment ofshock absorbers 20 to frame 210 throughupper supports 12 which are attached to frame 210 throughsteering column 104. This indirect attachment provides the active downward pull fromshock absorbers 20 to the frame. - Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
Claims (20)
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US13/613,571 US8783704B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2012-09-13 | Suspension system |
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CN112249212A (en) * | 2020-11-02 | 2021-01-22 | 贵州大学 | Modular front wheel of tricycle |
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JP6029447B2 (en) * | 2012-12-14 | 2016-11-24 | 川崎重工業株式会社 | Front wheel support structure for saddle-ride type vehicles |
US9815515B2 (en) * | 2014-08-02 | 2017-11-14 | Shinji Marui | Steering apparatus with forward extended fork legs |
JP2016034797A (en) * | 2014-08-02 | 2016-03-17 | 株式会社マルイ | Handle structure |
US10053180B1 (en) * | 2017-08-31 | 2018-08-21 | Tower Trikes, Inc. | Trike steering and suspension systems |
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AT368092B (en) | 1977-09-21 | 1982-09-10 | Diafil Int Sa | WHEEL SUSPENSION FOR VEHICLES |
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IT1124352B (en) * | 1979-11-22 | 1986-05-07 | Valentino Ribi | FRONT SUSPENSION WITH ARTICULATED QUADRILATERAL WITH SINGLE CENTRAL SHOCK ABSORBER FOR MOTORCYCLES |
IT1124375B (en) | 1979-12-07 | 1986-05-07 | Valentino Ribi | ARTICULATED QUADRILATERAL SUSPENSION WITH AT LEAST ONE SHOCK ABSORBER FOR VEHICLE WHEELS, IN PARTICULAR OF MOTORCYCLES |
US4401316A (en) | 1980-03-17 | 1983-08-30 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Front suspension for motocycle |
JPS5843880A (en) * | 1981-09-07 | 1983-03-14 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Front wheel brake gear for motorcycle |
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CN112249212A (en) * | 2020-11-02 | 2021-01-22 | 贵州大学 | Modular front wheel of tricycle |
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